How many members of the Caterpillar Club?

The number of members rapidly increased. By the end of World War II, the club had grown to over 34,000 members and is now estimated to be well over 100,000 members. One of the most famous members of the club is General Jimmy Doolittle, a U.S. pilot who has made two emergency landings with Irvin chutes.

How do I join the Caterpillar Club?

Any person whose life is saved by the use of a parachute in an emergency jump from an airplane is eligible for membership in the Caterpillar Club. Some of its more famous members include Charles Lindbergh, General James Doolittle, Senator John Glenn, and President George H. W. Bush.

What was the Caterpillar Club in Ww2?

Second World War period unofficial British award. The Caterpillar Club badge was presented to Royal Air Force personnel who had ‘baled out’ successfully wearing an Irvin parachute made by the Irvin Air Chute Company. The recipient’s name was engraved on the reverse.

Why is it called the Caterpillar Club?

The name “Caterpillar Club” refers to the silk threads that made the original parachutes thus recognising the debt owed to the silk worm. Other people have taken the metaphor further by comparing the act of bailing out with that of the caterpillar letting itself down to earth by a silken thread.

Who are the members of the Switlik Caterpillar Club?

Today, the SWITLIK Caterpillar Club counts thousands of airmen including former President George H.W. Bush, General Doolittle, and Col. Lindbergh among its rank. Here at SWITLIK, we still maintain Caterpillar Club records and continue to enroll eligible members.

Who was the founder of the Caterpillar Club?

Since then, both SWITLIK Parachute Company and Irvin Parachute Company began collecting jump stories and issued certificates and Caterpillar pins to the newly inducted members. Membership quickly swelled during WWII and Stanley Switlik made steps to formalize its intent.

Where do you get a Caterpillar Club pin?

The Switlik Parachute Company of Trenton, New Jersey issued both gold and silver caterpillar pins. The Pioneer Parachute Co. in Skokie, Illinois, also presented plaques to people who packed the parachutes that saved lives. There are no annual fees, though the Switlik club charges a nominal enrollment fee.

Who is eligible for membership in the Caterpillar Club?

Any person whose life is saved by the use of a parachute in an emergency jump from an airplane is eligible for membership in the Caterpillar Club.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oClBY3TAdI

How many members of the Caterpillar Club? The number of members rapidly increased. By the end of World War II, the club had grown to over 34,000 members and is now estimated to be well over 100,000 members. One of the most famous members of the club is General Jimmy Doolittle, a U.S. pilot who…